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Title: High-resolution multi-heterodyne spectroscopy based on Fabry-Perot quantum cascade lasers

Journal Article · · Applied Physics Letters
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4862756· OSTI ID:22280598
; ;  [1];  [1]
  1. Department of Electrical Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08540 (United States)

In this Letter, we present a method of performing broadband mid-infrared spectroscopy with conventional, free-running, continuous wave Fabry-Perot quantum cascade lasers (FP-QCLs). The measurement method is based on multi-heterodyne down-conversion of optical signals. The sample transmission spectrum probed by one multi-mode FP-QCL is down-converted to the radio-frequency domain through an optical multi-heterodyne process using a second FP-QCL as the local oscillator. Both a broadband multi-mode spectral measurement as well as high-resolution (∼15 MHz) spectroscopy of molecular absorption are demonstrated and show great potential for development of high performance FP-laser-based spectrometers for chemical sensing.

OSTI ID:
22280598
Journal Information:
Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 104, Issue 3; Other Information: (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0003-6951
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English